Earlier this month, Wynne accused the federal government of funding hydro development in Atlantic Canada and pipeline projects in the West, but neglecting infrastructure to develop the Ring of Fire – several promising mineral projects in Northern Ontario.

Wynne’s comments came in the context of a provincial election campaign, but Rickford rejected the criticism Sunday nonetheless.

“That’s nonsense,” Rickford told CTV’s Question Period. “I wish that this had not been politicized the way that it has.”